FDU students trek to China for semester in Chengdu

University students headed to Chengdu, China will study at the new Chengdu American Center for Study Abroad at Sichuan University.

By Kenna Caprio

Seven Fairleigh Dickinson University students might just get to hold a baby panda this semester.

This week that group of intrepid FDU students will embark on a semester abroad in Chengdu, China in Sichuan Province. They’ll be the first University students to study at the Chengdu American Center for Study Abroad, a collaboration between Global Maximum Educational Opportunities, Inc. and its principal partners FDU, Georgia State University, Merrimack College in Massachusetts and Norwich University in Vermont.

The U.S.-style learning environment offers classes in business, communication, science, humanities, social science, criminal justice and Chinese language and culture. All courses will be taught in English. Spring semester orientation starts on Thursday, February 21 and the semester officially begins on Sunday, February 24.

“As the two dominant world economic and military powers, the destinies of China and the USA are inextricably linked. FDU students will be exposed to Chinese history, politics, economics, culture and language in one of the most vibrant cities in modern China,” says Jason Scorza, vice provost for international education. “We hope that they will become comfortable working and living in China and that their experiences there will help them on the road to personal success in the global economy and responsible membership in the global community.”

Prior to the establishment of the partnership, study abroad director Brian Swanzey says that he often had students ask about opportunities and programs in China.

“With the creation of a global partnership with the Chengdu American Study Center, we've made the application and tuition payment process easy for both students and parents,” he says. “Students register for classes at FDU and continue to pay their regular tuition, while keeping all of their state, federal, and FDU aid in place.”

It’s a great opportunity to spend “a fifteen-week semester in one of the most exiting cities in modern China,” says Swanzey. During the students’ weeklong spring break, they will tour China and visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center.

“The International Study Center in Chengdu is the only study abroad program in China that allows students to hug a real, live panda cub,” touts Scorza.